State Parks Plan Volunteer Activities, Free Admissions Day

Staff report -- TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosiers can help clean up the state’s parks and reservoirs this Saturday and then come back for a free day on Sunday as part of a celebration of National Public Lands Day.

The event is the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Those who want to participate can spend Saturday at any state park doing activities that include collecting wild prairie seeds for re-sowing on Department of Natural Resources properties, helping with construction projects, gardening and cleaning up trails.

But National Public Lands Day isn’t all work and no play. Properties will also be offering hikes, pioneer activities, crafts and live bird shows. National Public Lands Day activities for Indiana state parks and reservoirs are posted at StateParks.IN.gov/2443.htm.

In addition, a number of groups that support DNR properties – called friends groups – will also be conducting membership drives on Saturday. Links to each state park and reservoir friends group are at StateParks.IN.gov/2442.htm.

Volunteer opportunities and fun activities will continue at many properties on Sunday when admission to state parks and reservoirs is free.

For more information on National Public Lands Day or to find a National Public Lands Day event near you, visit PublicLandsDay.org.